Escalation of Conflict in Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis
Israeli military forces have advanced into southern and eastern areas of the Gazan city of Deir Al-Balah for the first time on Monday. This move comes as Israeli authorities believe that some of the remaining hostages may be held in this region. The incursion has led to significant civilian casualties, with at least three Palestinians reported killed and several others injured due to tank shelling that targeted eight homes and three mosques. The attacks occurred a day after the military ordered residents to evacuate the area, citing plans to engage Hamas militants.
The ongoing operations have forced dozens of families who had stayed behind to flee toward the western coastal areas of Deir Al-Balah and the nearby town of Khan Younis. In Khan Younis, an earlier airstrike on Monday resulted in the deaths of at least five people, including a man, his wife, and their two children, who were inside a tent. No immediate response from Israeli authorities has been released regarding these incidents.
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Military Operations and Hostage Concerns
Israel’s military stated that it has not entered the districts of Deir Al-Balah under the current evacuation order. It emphasized that its operations are focused on “destroying the enemy’s capabilities and terrorist infrastructure” in the region. Israeli sources indicated that the military has avoided entering certain areas due to concerns that Hamas might be holding hostages there. Of the 50 remaining hostages in Gaza, at least 20 are believed to still be alive.
Families of the hostages have expressed deep concern over their loved ones’ safety and have demanded clarification from the military on how they plan to protect them. The situation remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight.
Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies
The conflict has coincided with a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Health officials have warned of potential “mass deaths” in the coming days due to severe hunger. Since Saturday, at least 19 people have died from starvation, according to the territory’s health ministry. Hospitals are struggling with shortages of fuel, food aid, and medicine, putting vital medical services at risk.
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Health ministry spokesperson Khalil Al-Deqran highlighted the dire conditions, stating that medical staff are surviving on one meal per day. Hundreds of people continue to flock to hospitals daily, suffering from fatigue and exhaustion caused by hunger. On Sunday, at least 67 people were killed by Israeli fire while waiting for UN aid trucks to enter Gaza. Israel’s military claimed that troops fired warning shots at a crowd of thousands in northern Gaza to address what it described as an “immediate threat.” It also suggested that casualty figures may have been exaggerated and denied intentionally targeting humanitarian aid.
Impact on Ceasefire Talks
The recent military actions and rising number of fatalities have complicated ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel. These talks, mediated by Qatar and Egypt with U.S. support, aim to secure a 60-day truce and a hostage deal. However, no breakthrough has been reported yet.
A Hamas official expressed frustration over the increasing casualties and the humanitarian crisis, suggesting that these issues could negatively impact the ongoing discussions in Doha. The group has called for an end to the violence and a resolution to the hostage situation.
Aid and International Response
UNRWA, the U.N. agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, has issued urgent appeals for aid to reach Gaza. It shared messages from desperate individuals in Gaza, including its own staff, warning of impending starvation. Food prices in the region have skyrocketed by 40 times, exacerbating the crisis. Despite the dire situation, UNRWA noted that enough food is stockpiled in warehouses outside Gaza to sustain the entire population for over three months. The agency urged for the lifting of the siege and the safe, large-scale entry of aid.
Israel’s military has stated that it views the delivery of humanitarian aid as a top priority and works to facilitate its entry in coordination with the international community. However, the gap between rhetoric and reality remains wide, with many Gazans still facing life-threatening conditions.
Ongoing Conflict and Its Consequences
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched an attack into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages to Gaza. Since then, the Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of more than 58,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly the entire population, and plunged the enclave into a severe humanitarian crisis. As the conflict continues, the need for a lasting solution becomes increasingly urgent.
